IAB reader Animish Vaidya recently spotted a heavily camouflaged test mule of the Tata Harrier in Pune. The new flagship SUV will be revealed to select media this week, while its official launch is scheduled to take place a month later.
The Tata Harrier is the production version of the H5X concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. A set of official images that were released in October 2018 revealed that the new model looks a lot like the concept version, which is in sync with what the company's Head of Design, Pratap Bose, had assured right from the beginning. On the other hand, various spy images and teasers have revealed that the interior of the production model won't feature the button-less design of the show car. Instead, it will have a conventional setup with buttons and knobs for various controls.
The Tata Harrier is the first recipient of the company's 'Omega Arc' platform, which is, basically, a derivative of the Jaguar Land Rover's D8 platform. Moreover, the new five-seater monocoque SUV is the first-ever production model to be designed as per the IMPACT 2.0 design language.
Powering the Tata Harrier will be an FCA-sourced 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine that outputs a peak power of 140 PS. The company has rebranded the oil-burner as 'Kryotec'. It will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. A Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic unit will be introduced at a later stage. AWD isn't likely to be available owing to the low demand for the same in such SUVs in our market.
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Production of the Tata Harrier has been underway at the company's Pune-based facility since 30 October 2018. The assembly line for the new flagship boasts 90% automation levels. The new model can be pre-booked online or at an authorised dealership for a token amount of INR 30,000.
